Public Access Defibrillation

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device used when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers a shock only when it detects a rhythm that may respond to defibrillation.

About Automated External Defibrillators

Immediate CPR can maintain some blood flow until a normal rhythm is restored or emergency responders arrive. Early CPR and AED use can significantly improve the chance of survival.

AEDs are designed to guide users through the process. Training is strongly recommended, but a lack of training should not prevent someone from using an available AED during an emergency.

California Requirements for AED Owners

Under California Health and Safety Code section 1797.196, a person or organization that acquires an AED must:

• Notify the local EMS agency of the AED’s existence, location and type.
• Maintain and test the AED according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test the AED at least twice annually and after each use.
• Inspect the AED at least every 90 days for damage, tampering, warning indicators or other operational problems.
• Maintain records of required inspections, maintenance and testing.

A physician or medical director is not required to participate in the acquisition or placement of an AED. State law also does not require every building owner or manager to acquire an AED. Certain facilities may be subject to additional requirements under other laws.

Requirements for Building Owners

When an AED is placed in a building, the building owner must:

• Notify tenants of AED locations at least annually.
• Provide information about whom tenants may contact for voluntary CPR or AED training.
• Offer an annual AED demonstration to at least one person associated with the building.
• Post operating instructions next to the AED in type no smaller than 14 points.

Requirements for Schools

When an AED is placed in a public or private K–12 school, the principal must:

• Provide administrators and staff with annual information about sudden cardiac arrest, the school’s emergency-response plan and proper AED use.
• Notify employees annually of all AED locations on campus.
• Notify students in grades 6–12 annually of campus AED locations.
• Post operating instructions next to each AED in type no smaller than 14 points.

Civil-Liability Protections

California Civil Code section 1714.21 generally protects a person who, in good faith and without compensation, uses an AED during an emergency. An organization that acquires an AED may also receive civil-liability protection when it complies with applicable statutory requirements. These protections do not apply to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Registering and Reporting an AED

AED owners must notify the San Mateo County EMS Agency of the device’s location and type using the Public Access Defibrillation Notification Form.

After an AED is used, submit the applicable AED Use Report to the EMS Agency within 24 hours.

Forms and Resources

AED User/Site Coordinator Checklist

PAD Notification Form

Health Club AED Use Report

Law Enforcement AED Use Report

Public Access AED Use Report

Public Safety Provider Agency AED Use Report

California EMS Authority—Regulation Repeal Memo